Take Control of Your August Energy Bills

Here are five easy ways to minimize your energy use during one of the hottest months in Texas.

Sun block. Half of the heat that enters your home comes in through the windows. Invest in a thick shade or window film to block out the summer sun. Save on your cooling bill by shading west-facing windows, which absorb the most afternoon sun. For the hottest parts of your house, consider installing an awning or planting trees in front of the window to provide shade.

Quick change. A filter for your airconditioning system is inexpensive but can save you much more if you change it every month during the summer. Dirty AC filters hinder airflow and make the system work harder. That means a higher bill.

One degree. For every degree that you turn your thermostat up during AC season, you’ll save on your cooling costs. Try setting your thermostat at 78 degrees and turning on a ceiling fan to help circulate the air in occupied rooms.

Wind chill. Fans don’t cool the air, but they make the air feel cooler by moving it around the room and against your skin, which creates a sort of wind chill effect. When the fan is running, you can move your thermostat 3–4 degrees higher without affecting your comfort.

Cool touch. Replace every incandescent lightbulb in your house with an LED version. The replacements cost more than incandescents at first but use less energy. They pay for themselves and then some over their lifetimes. Plus, they emit far less heat than incandescent bulbs, so they don’t add heat to your home’s air or make the AC work harder.